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..q(~?~)p .THE .LAUGHING .BUDDHA .SANGHA
................... nourishing an iconoclast intelligence
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Planning to First Time Attend our Class ?
Full DIRECTIONS & DETAILS: see # 6 on side-bar -
also read # 1, # 2 & # 3 to get more flavor of what we're about
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phone: 310-450-2268 ..~.. email: AkasaLeviZZ@msn.com __________________________________________________
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~ currently ~
Santa Monica
Santa Monica
MONDAYS 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
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The “BUDDHISM” Weekly Class for Insight Meditation:
Actually Living the "WISDOM-PATH OF NO EXPECTATIONS”
is truly a Path of Abundant ‘Practice Opportunities’ that surround you.
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ALL Levels: First-timers, Newcomers & Beginners,
Actually Living the "WISDOM-PATH OF NO EXPECTATIONS”
is truly a Path of Abundant ‘Practice Opportunities’ that surround you.
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ALL Levels: First-timers, Newcomers & Beginners,
Experienced Returners, Regulars or Irregulars
Spring / Summer 2010 continuously Ongoing
Please Be Welcome to Inquire by phone
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Info for Retreats / Events are always found
at section # 5 via our sidebar at left
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Info for Retreats / Events are always found
at section # 5 via our sidebar at left
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because of The National Depression Epidemic, Akasa-ji has to work most weeknights, and so
• The OPEN Weekly Evening Class with Akasa Levi - is now combined
with an ( all levels ) Study-Group Nite for Beginning Students,
as well as more 'experienced' meditation students with a 'practice'.
MONDAYS • 7:30 - 9:30 PM • Santa Monica • 310-450-2268
Best phone times to inquire – on any day – Noon to 6pm
• Start or Join our Ongoing Classes at Any Time, Any Monday •
with an ( all levels ) Study-Group Nite for Beginning Students,
as well as more 'experienced' meditation students with a 'practice'.
MONDAYS • 7:30 - 9:30 PM • Santa Monica • 310-450-2268
Best phone times to inquire – on any day – Noon to 6pm
• Start or Join our Ongoing Classes at Any Time, Any Monday •
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.a more Outside-The-Box-Buddhism
.a more Outside-The-Box-Buddhism
~for~
..a much more Maverick-Spirited Inner-Quest !
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and also quarterly Retreats . . .
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Ask about our periodic
Relationship Daylongs*
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A Compassionate Mindfulness Meditation
inspired by a deeper exploration into our
'Relationship-dharma' using some
of the radical poetry & teachings
of Rilke, Rumi & The Buddha
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A Daylong Retreat into Silent Sittingin Stillness & Satsang with Akasa Levi
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Definitions: Retreats
( to go into an introspective group-isolation;
to pull back from the everyday world to give more
mindful-attention to one's less clear inner-world )
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* What Retreats Always Offer: TIME to Sit ! ! !
( to go into an introspective group-isolation;
to pull back from the everyday world to give more
mindful-attention to one's less clear inner-world )
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* What Retreats Always Offer: TIME to Sit ! ! !
and the necessary deeper "immersion-time experiences"
often lacking in somewhat more 'casual' meditation sitting.
Meditation is an acquired taste - a short retreat is a
quick way to get it. Offering yourself 'periodic intensives'
could make all the 'experiential-difference' in really
establishing yourself in an authentic 'relationship' with
the meditation 'practice'. When your meditation sitting time
is over for the day, you're in a whole new place with yourself...
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Beginners: A 'Daylong' is really the very BEST way to Begin!
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.... also see much more complete description about upcoming
Retreats & Classes at section # 5 via our sidebar up top
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"Courage is the choice that something else is more important than Fear." ~ Ambrose Redmond
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" The Journey Itself.... IS the Destination ! "
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Definition: Buddhism ( Buddhi: to 'Awaken' ).
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" The Journey Itself.... IS the Destination ! "
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Definition: Buddhism ( Buddhi: to 'Awaken' ).
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...Buddhism was born from the life-changing experiences of Siddhartha Gautama,
the over-indulged son of a benevolent Indian king. Gautama, who historians say probably
lived between 580 and 480 B.C., renounced the advantages of his high social caste,
traveling teacher to teacher to fully comprehend the true meaning of human suffering.
In an 'ultimate revelation', Gautama became the Buddha, laying down an elaborate
set of sophisticated psychological ideas without reliance on a Diety. That human
beings themselves had, through reincarnation's cycle of death & re-birth, developed
the wholesome capacity to consciously break from their basest urges and peacefully
achieve the freedom of complete enlightenment known as Nirvana..
The idea of this 'search for wisdom' and its application to everyday life exerted
a tremendous pull on Gautama, who had never been fully satisfied with the
shallow explanations and exhortations of the 'religions' of his day. When some
wandering monks agreed to teach him, he said he found himself among men
who lived their faith and made him understand that he could share what he
learned, too. This was his true higher education, reality-wisdom for Life.
He fully understood the absolutely inclusive inter-dependence of all of us.
"How can I be happy if there are so many who aren't?" He decided to teach.
~ thanks Mark Lisheron
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SEEKING AN INTELLIGENT SPIRITUAL PRACTICE ? ~ Gosh, We Hope So !
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." What is accepted by the majority of people ~
does not mean it is Real " ~ The Buddha 500 BC
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Defintion: Vipassana ( to turn inward; insight )
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♦ The Purpose of Vipassana Insight Meditation
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Vi.pass.ana in the Pali-language of the original Buddhist teachings –
is the simple and direct practice of ‘moment-to-moment’ mindfulness.
Through careful sustained observation, we experience directly for ourselves
the ever-changing flow of the mind/body process. This keen awareness leads us
to accept more fully the pleasure and pain, fear and joy, sadness and happiness
that life inevitably brings to all our ‘experiences’. As insight-awareness deepens,
we develop greater equanimity & peace in the face of change. Wisdom and
Compassion increasingly become the major guiding principles ‘informing’ our lives.
~ Joseph Goldstein
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" People who have tried and trained themselves with this
simple movement of looking inward to their actual nature.
They tell us how, over time, the fear of life that is the source
and substance of all human misery and hatred of life -
has dissolved for them.
Most are taken by surprise by the quietness with which
equanimity and ease of being emerge from the shadows.
simple movement of looking inward to their actual nature.
They tell us how, over time, the fear of life that is the source
and substance of all human misery and hatred of life -
has dissolved for them.
Most are taken by surprise by the quietness with which
equanimity and ease of being emerge from the shadows.
Many are tickled to see how easy it all is, after all.
It’s not at all uncommon for someone from whom
the fear of life has departed - not even to notice it -
until the change in their demeanor is called to their
attention by a friend or relative.
It’s not at all uncommon for someone from whom
the fear of life has departed - not even to notice it -
until the change in their demeanor is called to their
attention by a friend or relative.
.Many come to a new appreciation for the beauty
of humanity's religious, spiritual and philosophical efforts
for all these thousands of years to say something true
and helpful about reality - and to a sad new astonishment
at how little practical help all that overlooked beauty
has yet provided us.The only thing that really recommends
this work is that it actually works - people actually fall in love
with their lives, not with some magical future state of perfection,
but the 'actual perfection' of present-reality. ~ John Sherman
of humanity's religious, spiritual and philosophical efforts
for all these thousands of years to say something true
and helpful about reality - and to a sad new astonishment
at how little practical help all that overlooked beauty
has yet provided us.The only thing that really recommends
this work is that it actually works - people actually fall in love
with their lives, not with some magical future state of perfection,
but the 'actual perfection' of present-reality. ~ John Sherman
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.About ~ The Laughing Buddha Sangha
......... read more about us here below and in the various posts
on the sidebar like # 1 intro, #3 Overview, #5 Class Updates
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♦ BUDDHIST MEDITATION: Simply The Power of Much More Inner-Silence. Practicing Silent Sitting in Stillness with your own evolving Dharma 'Informed' Mind. SATSANG: DHARMA 'CONVERSATIONS' on AWAKEN.MENT ~
A Community 'Practice of Inquiry' into the Grand Illusion of "Self"
We offer a BUDDHISM WITHOUT ANY 'BELIEFS' whatsoever ~
We offer a BUDDHISM WITHOUT ANY 'BELIEFS' whatsoever ~
calmly de-conditioning ourselves towards an Uncompromised Awakening
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The Laughing Buddha Sangha offers the original Traditional Buddhist
Theravada Lineage-based Practice of Vipassana Insight Meditation for an
un-decorated clarity of view to cultivating 'The Presence of Mindfulness' within...
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Yet, with strong regard for individual spiritual-experiences, an open heart and
free thought and creative expression, The Laughing Buddha Sangha is both
erudite, eclectic, enlightening & entertaining in it's relation to the " illusory ".
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Mindfully Awakening
the Compassionate-Insight
Naturally Deep Within Us All.
the Compassionate-Insight
Naturally Deep Within Us All.
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"Just the Rational Deeply appreciating the Mystical,
and the Mystical Deeply flavoring the Rational."~ Bhante Ananda Maitreya
and the Mystical Deeply flavoring the Rational."~ Bhante Ananda Maitreya
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• Join our Ongoing CLASSES & PROGRAMS •
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Weekly Classes Ongoing thru Winter/Spring 2009
Please Plan Ahead - Make your Phone Inquiries now -
at least check it out ! - space here does get limited.
Yet, we can always try 'n squeeze in one more mind –
Join our ongoing classes at any time – just call ahead
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The LAUGHING .BUDDHA .SANGHA Programs
with former Buddhist monk Akasa Levi, DhMA (D.Min)
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BUDDHIST MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
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• Co-ed Beginner's Meditation Sitting Groups
....Vipassana Insight Awareness Meditation
.....Buddhist Non-Duality Inquiry into 'Self'
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• "The Power of Much More Inner-Silence"
and "The Path of No Expectations" Retreats
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• ZEN MEN :: Men's Inner-Growth Peer Groups
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• Building a large Resource Website & Archive
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– The "BUDDHISM" Class –
Weekly Theravada Zen Dharma Study Class
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also ~ "The Spiritual Adulthood Counseling Project"
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" Meditation helps to keep us
from so identifying with
our own 'movies' of the mind."~ Joan Borysenko, M.D..
our own 'movies' of the mind."~ Joan Borysenko, M.D..
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Definitions: Here's More . . .
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Buddhist • Vipas'sana • Insight •
Awareness • Dharma • Bha'vana •
Sati.pat'thana • Mindfulness • Meditation
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Above are the various Names in use - that our
Awareness • Dharma • Bha'vana •
Sati.pat'thana • Mindfulness • Meditation
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Above are the various Names in use - that our
Theravada Buddhist Meditation is often referred to by ––
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'Vipassana' ( 'to turn deeply inward' ) Mindfulness of one's self
is a softening, silent sitting-style Jnana 'Yoga of The Mind'.
is a softening, silent sitting-style Jnana 'Yoga of The Mind'.
It Observes. It doesn't try to fix, tamper, judge or psychologize.
Gradually training yourself to just simply Sit Still in the midst of it all.
'Sati' - ‘Mindfully’ attentive of the constant 'becoming' ( 'bhavana' )
within the entire body-mind-process – Watching – Witnessing –
Observing without Reacting. Softly allowing Stillness to arise within you.
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After group-sitting, we do a “Dharma Satsang” - a Group Discussion about Reality.
Observing without Reacting. Softly allowing Stillness to arise within you.
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After group-sitting, we do a “Dharma Satsang” - a Group Discussion about Reality.
Dharma/Truths/Natural Law - Satsang/Sangha/Community - exploring the "What Is".
Often bringing forward insight-recognition and realization of the 'true nature of things'. .
We will also help you understand some of the powerful ancient sacred
psychologies of the basic Indian root-traditions of traditional Buddhist Vipassana, Hindu Raj
Yoga, Advaita Jnana Yoga, and the wonderfully irrational Zen practices with a touch of pithy Tao..
psychologies of the basic Indian root-traditions of traditional Buddhist Vipassana, Hindu Raj
Yoga, Advaita Jnana Yoga, and the wonderfully irrational Zen practices with a touch of pithy Tao..
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~ here's a good buddhist
DEFINITION of 'meditation' - an anglo-word
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MED•I•TATE – Latin: medi’tatus – from MEDI -
to be right here in the MIDDLE OF - and yet,
be of neither this side nor that side -
'to be meta-physically poised on the fence'– exquisitely balanced.
To be in an alert semi-trance-like state
of relaxed observation, where physical action
is voluntarily suspended. This enhances the
ability to deeply observe, witness, consider,
contemplate or simply watch without judgment,
without commenting or the impulsive 'need'
to arrive at any choice or any decision or simplyto arrive anywhere.
The meditator develops the ability to 'space-out' (space-in)
while being fully mindful & keenly awake, reducing
that nagging 'obsessive' thought activity; an alert, wakeful
but deeply restful attentiveness without the driven impulse
to action; to be serene, sublime, divine, tranquil and
be calmly passive BUT by voluntary choice –
until a Wisdom-Informed Intent of a 'skillful action'
that is entirely appropriate to the situation
naturally arises & unfolds . . .
DEFINITION of 'meditation' - an anglo-word
.
MED•I•TATE – Latin: medi’tatus – from MEDI -
to be right here in the MIDDLE OF - and yet,
be of neither this side nor that side -
'to be meta-physically poised on the fence'– exquisitely balanced.
To be in an alert semi-trance-like state
of relaxed observation, where physical action
is voluntarily suspended. This enhances the
ability to deeply observe, witness, consider,
contemplate or simply watch without judgment,
without commenting or the impulsive 'need'
to arrive at any choice or any decision or simplyto arrive anywhere.
The meditator develops the ability to 'space-out' (space-in)
while being fully mindful & keenly awake, reducing
that nagging 'obsessive' thought activity; an alert, wakeful
but deeply restful attentiveness without the driven impulse
to action; to be serene, sublime, divine, tranquil and
be calmly passive BUT by voluntary choice –
until a Wisdom-Informed Intent of a 'skillful action'
that is entirely appropriate to the situation
naturally arises & unfolds . . .
"Becoming a true disciple of your very own Awareness"
~ as Bhante says... Ideally, to be more & more free from
'self-identified', self-conscious thinking – by choice.
To allow a letting-go – and to just sit there
free of 'compulsive' desire, impulse and attachment.
The Ideal Meditation: all ‘demands’ cease –
to be still and more at peace within. ~ Akasa Levi
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~ as Bhante says... Ideally, to be more & more free from
'self-identified', self-conscious thinking – by choice.
To allow a letting-go – and to just sit there
free of 'compulsive' desire, impulse and attachment.
The Ideal Meditation: all ‘demands’ cease –
to be still and more at peace within. ~ Akasa Levi
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.♦ Practicing Meditation
.....Is Practicing to Keep The Heart Open
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Coming to our senses & opening our hearts -
is the basic sacred work of meditation.
Meditation is a way of experiencing the world without aggression and fear.
A path of cultivating sanity and generating compassion, which leads to peace
in ourselves – which we can then, each individually, extend boundlessly
and un-compromisingly out into the world.
Meditation, is in itself, an "act of resistance" to the inhumanity of violence,
war and misguided human politics – whether you feel it is a ‘just’ political
environment or not. How do you keep your heart open in the face of anger,
fear, disappointment and sorrow? During meditation we experience ways
spiritual practice can realistically express our love of life & bring a peaceful
co-existence to this world – in a skillful, responsible, pro-active way - as we
‘train’ ourselves outside of our usual framework of time & space and daily
responsibility - and then go back in !
~ Sharon Salzberg
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.Definition: Meditation
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"Yes, this 1000 year-old wisdom-quote below
has enlightened many student-yogis down
through the centuries upon it's realization."
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"Yes, this 1000 year-old wisdom-quote below
has enlightened many student-yogis down
through the centuries upon it's realization."
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♦ "If you don't clearly understand
that ‘Whatever’ appears IS meditation -
Then what can you achieve by applying
a divine or spiritual ‘antidote’?
’Ideas’ & ‘conceptions’
are not abandoned
by just discarding them –
but are spontaneously freed
by themselves when they 'recognize'
and 'realize' themselvesas simply only an illusion."~ The Dakini Niguma 1025 AD.
that ‘Whatever’ appears IS meditation -
Then what can you achieve by applying
a divine or spiritual ‘antidote’?
’Ideas’ & ‘conceptions’
are not abandoned
by just discarding them –
but are spontaneously freed
by themselves when they 'recognize'
and 'realize' themselvesas simply only an illusion."~ The Dakini Niguma 1025 AD.
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Tricky Stuff, this Zen Mind ! If you want to be truly free
Get to know your
"No-Self-Consciousness" that
is no longer self-conscious Self.
But how? Just 'Know' that
‘The real Real’ has No form, No root,
Get to know your
"No-Self-Consciousness" that
is no longer self-conscious Self.
But how? Just 'Know' that
‘The real Real’ has No form, No root,
No basis, No abode, No appearance.
"What is the true shape of a cat ?"
But it is lively and buoyant.
It responds with versatile facility.
But how? Just 'Know' that
Its function cannot be located...
Therefore when you look for it,
You become further from 'It'.
When you seek 'It' - since 'It' isn't You turn away from ‘It’ all the more.
~ Rinzai 850 AD
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• Meditate • Inner-Inquiry • Study • Contemplate ___________________________________________________________..
But it is lively and buoyant.
It responds with versatile facility.
But how? Just 'Know' that
Its function cannot be located...
Therefore when you look for it,
You become further from 'It'.
When you seek 'It' - since 'It' isn't You turn away from ‘It’ all the more.
~ Rinzai 850 AD
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• Meditate • Inner-Inquiry • Study • Contemplate ___________________________________________________________..
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Your true ‘Authentic Being’
is always shining and free !
a ‘Something’ out of absolutely Nothing.
And get so attached to that non-something
– and then automatically enter the ocean
of ‘suffering’ of that illusory 'something'.
It's ALL in your mind.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Only without 'attachment-thinking'
can you return to your true Non-Self,
which is the authentic 'No' self.
Practice "Don't-Know-Mind".
Practice "No-Surprise-Mind".
The mountain is always blue.
White clouds coming and going.
~ Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn
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MOONS & PONDS as Poetic Metaphors
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The Moon is one –
but on agitated water
it produces many reflections.
Ultimate Reality is One –
yet seen through a mind
agitated by thoughts,
it ‘appears’ to be many.
Complexity appears –
ripples radiating across
what was once a still pond.
~ The Ramayana
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The Lotus has its roots in the dark mud,
Grows up through the dirty deep water,
And as it rises to the surface.
It blooms into perfect beauty
and purity in the sunlight.
It is like the mind unfolding
into perfect joy and wisdom.
~ The Lotus Sutra
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Enlightenment is like
the Moon reflected in the water.
The Moon does not get wet
nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great,
the moon is reflected
even in a puddle a single-inch-wide.
The whole moon and the entire sky
Are reflected in one single
little dew-drop on the grass.
~ Zenmaster Dogen 13th century AD
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Solitude is such a beautiful thing !
but it really needs someone to tell you
that 'Solitude' is such a beautiful thing.
~ Honore de Balzac – 1840
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It is highly recommended that you read some more
in this Buddha.Blog – and see if you relate to some of
what we have to say – as the really distilled down version
of the whole 'Teaching' is actually right here scattered
throughout this big bundle of quotes. Hopefully it's going
to be an informative, fun site for you to graze in the Dharma,
full of ancient & modern realization-treasures and poetic inspiration
in this Buddha.Blog – and see if you relate to some of
what we have to say – as the really distilled down version
of the whole 'Teaching' is actually right here scattered
throughout this big bundle of quotes. Hopefully it's going
to be an informative, fun site for you to graze in the Dharma,
full of ancient & modern realization-treasures and poetic inspiration
.................................... ~ thank you for your interest & patience ~
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Please Go Next to "OVERVIEW" # 3 on menu... or wherever you like...
Please Go Next to "OVERVIEW" # 3 on menu... or wherever you like...
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